For many years, people have been growing indoor begonia. This noble plant has beautiful leaves and flowers. The plant is able to grow not only on window sills, but also in gardens.
In the begonia family, there are more than eight hundred varieties. In nature, the flower is found in South America, Southeast Asia, and Madagascar. Some specimens in natural conditions reach three meters.
Decorative flowering varieties
All indoor begonia plants related to decorative flowering are fascinating. They bloom beautifully, and, on one pedicel, male and female flowers are located immediately. The latter are distinguished by the fact that a seed box ripens on them. Inside it there are three faces, in each of which there are many seeds.
Flowers can be simple, terry and semi-double. With the onset of winter, all decorative-flowering varieties get rid of leaves, they have a period of rest. Conventionally, all decorative flowering are divided into three huge groups: Elatior, Lorren and ever flowering. The latter species is characterized by the fact that even in winter it does not stop blooming, although the number of flowers is greatly reduced. Indoor plants of the Lorren group begonias bloom mainly in the winter.
Decorative foliage species
All varieties of this group have unusual leaves of various shapes and colors. Most often grown Tiger and Royal. The first is a small bush with small leaves, on the surface of which there are spots. Experienced flower growers are advised to place this view on a column-shaped support. Royal begonia can have leaves of various shades - from green to red. Both species bloom in small flowers.
A red begonia was brought to us from America. She looks good in vases, flowerpots. But in hanging baskets it is better to plant coral varieties.
Plant species
All indoor begonias are divided into two types: decorative foliage and decorative flowering. The first type is appreciated for the unusual and beautiful foliage. Such species rarely bloom and are grown only because of the beauty of the leaf. Decorative blooming can be very different.
The most popular indoor begonias of the following types:
- Coral It is characterized by large leaves with bright pink and white peas. Begonia blooms with coral flowers. With proper care, the plant reaches a meter and a half in height.
- Griffin. This is a new variety of royal begonia, up to forty centimeters high. It is characterized by beautiful, large leaves. The variety is considered shade-tolerant and unpretentious.
- Rex is a hybrid of royal begonia shrubs small, growing up to twenty centimeters. The plant has faded and inconspicuous flowers. Rex is appreciated for the beauty of the leaf. They are broadly oval, with teeth and can be of very different colors: pink, silver, purple, red. The variety is propagated by dividing the bush and cuttings.
- Collar. The leaves are light green, slightly pubescent at the edges. It has bright red veins below the leaf plate. On the upper part there are outgrowths forming a rosette resembling a collar.
- Metal. It got its name due to silver spraying on a sheet plate. This species is unpretentious, perfectly survives in any conditions. The height of the plant is about a meter. It reproduces well both in water and in sand.
- Red Shiny ovoid leaves are characteristic of it. The flowers are bright, red, collected in panicles.
- Everlasting. This unique look comes with bronze and green foliage. The plant blooms with white, pink, red, white-pink flowers, with a diameter of up to six centimeters.
- Elator. This variety includes compact bushes up to forty centimeters high with serrated decorative leaves and very bright flowers of different colors. They can be monophonic, multicolor.
- Lorren. This type of indoor begonia is characterized by round leaves of dark green color. The height of the bush is about half a meter. Blossoms in white, red, pink flowers.
- Royal begonia. The length of the leaf species is about half a meter. Flowers have an iridescent shade - from red to brown.
- Tiger. The leaves are dark green, small, with white spots. Bushes are small, about thirty centimeters.
- Tuberous - most often used in gardens.
- Bauer. The variety, with proper care, grows rapidly, easily propagates. Baeur easily transfers transplants. Prefers diffused, not very bright light.
- Cleopatra. The variety has dark green leaves, located on long cuttings of burgundy color. In height, the plant grows to thirty centimeters. The plant does not tolerate dry air and excessive watering. Propagated by leaves, cuttings, division of the bush.
- Alfalfa. The sheets below are red, and the top is dark green with fine silver spotting. The leaves are long, large. This variety is a hybrid resulting from the crossbreeding of coral begonia and Richards.
- Pendula. This is a very beautiful, abundantly flowering plant, related to ever flowering. Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Pendula is characterized by colorful flowers of various shades.
- Non-stop. This is a dwarf species up to twenty centimeters high. Its bright terry flowers look up to nine centimeters in diameter. It blooms from June to late autumn.
The everlasting begonia is a perennial plant native to Brazil. This species is characterized by the safety of the leaf throughout the year, as well as the fact that the flower constantly blooms without ceasing. As the begonias begin to bloom, it continues to do so for months.
Reproduction of the evergreen group is carried out by seeds and cuttings. In the latter case, it is easier and faster to get the plant instance you like.
When grown by seeds, huge open spaces of choice arise in front of the grower. The stores offer a large number of seeds of various agricultural companies. They may have bronze foliage and white flowers, or may be with green leaves. Different and pink flowers look beautiful against the background of green leaves, and to complement the composition, some flower growers plant begonias in the same flower pot with the same shade of flowers, but bronze leaves.
Recently tuberous begonias have become increasingly popular. This is a group of decorative-flowering varieties with a variety of leaves. They bloom profusely in large flowers of various shades. Not so long ago, new varieties of tuberous flowers appeared, having teeth on the edge of the petals. Propagation of room begonia is carried out using the division of the tuber, less often - cuttings, seeds.
Seed propagation
Growing room begonia from seeds is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance, although not everyone can grow a full-fledged plant. This is due to a violation of the rules for sowing and leaving in the first weeks of the seedling's life.
Crops are carried out in late February. By autumn, young seedlings will get stronger.
It is best planted in containers with a lid. The tank is filled with a mixture of peat, sand, leaf soil, taken in a ratio of 1: 1: 2. The surface of the soil is slightly compacted, moistened. Then the begonia seeds are laid out on top and lightly rolled. On top of the container is closed with a transparent lid or glass, cling film. You can place the container in a plastic bag by making several holes in its upper part. The container is placed in a bright place.
At a temperature of 20 degrees, seedlings appear after a week. During the germination and development of begonia, the container should be ventilated. After two to three weeks, the sprouts dive into separate containers. This procedure is carried out very carefully, as the sprouts are very fragile and break easily.
After another month, young plants can be safely planted in a permanent place. When sown in late February, many varieties bloom in the first year.
Tuber propagation
Tuberous begonias are propagated by cuttings and tubers. To do this, prepare a sharp knife, which will cut the onion. On each part of the tuber should be sprouted. Places of cuts are necessarily sprinkled with charcoal to prevent rot and disease. Begonias are planted so that the upper part of the tuber is 1-2 centimeters above the ground.
Propagation by cuttings
Shrub species of begonias are usually propagated by cuttings. To do this, take a stalk, on which at least two buds.
Rooting can be done in water, in the sand. In the first case, the handle is placed in a container of water so that the bottom cut does not touch the bottom. In such a suspended position, after five days, roots will begin to appear.
Another method - reproduction in the sand, involves planting the prepared cuttings immediately in wet sand. To begonias better rooted, they are covered with a film or stack. This method is suitable for the propagation of decorative leaf varieties.
How to care for a plant
In order for the plant to please its beauty, it is necessary to provide proper home begonia care at home. To do this, observe the rules of irrigation, choose the right lighting for each variety, and also perform timely updating of the bush, transplanting, and fertilizing.
Lighting
Getting acquainted with the varieties, looking at the photos and names of indoor begonias, each grower wants to get the same beautiful bushes as on the Internet. To make it simple, you need to properly care for the plant. And it’s worth starting with choosing a place where the begonias will be comfortable.
In general, all varieties of plants are photophilous, but direct sunlight can cause irreparable harm to the leaves. To protect the plant from burns, diffused bright light is needed.
Growing temperature
Caring for room begonia involves observing the temperature regime. For active growth, the flower must be kept at a temperature of 22 to 24 degrees. In winter, the temperature is reduced to 19 degrees.
Features of watering
The species of room begonia presented in the photo need different watering regimes. Most varieties are demanding on the level of moisture: they need constant watering, especially in the summer. Between hydration, it is necessary to allow the soil to dry for about two centimeters. In winter, watering is reduced, since at this time the plants have a dormant period. This does not apply to ever-flowering varieties that need to be watered abundantly throughout the flowering period.
For irrigation use warm, settled water. Do not water begonia with cold water, as it causes decay of the root system, and the plant may die. You can not pour water on the leaves during irrigation, it is especially dangerous for decorative and leafy varieties.
Transplant, soil and pot selection
Typically, pots are selected for transplantation two centimeters larger than the previous one. There must be drainage holes in the bottom of the tank so that excess water is removed during irrigation. About six months after transplanting, the pot is changed to a larger one.
Tuberous begonias are recommended to be planted in pots with a diameter of ten centimeters, and after five months - in containers with a diameter of fifteen centimeters, since this species needs room. Other varieties are transplanted according to the standard scheme: the pot is two to three centimeters larger than the previous one. This option helps to maintain the ability of flowering bushes and prevents rotting of the root system. When planting any grade, be sure to put expanded clay or other drainage material on the bottom of the pot.
To plant indoor begonia flowers, it is necessary to properly prepare the soil. This will require:
You can add a little peat to the composition. As a result, get loose, nutritious soil, well-conducted air and moisture. In this composition, the root system will breathe without stagnation of water.
You can go the simpler way and buy ready-made soil for begonias.
Top dressing
Looking through photos with the names of the species of indoor begonias, you always want your plants to please with abundant and long flowering. To achieve this, fertilizer must be applied. For begonias, liquid types of dressing are used for flowering crops. They contain all the minerals, vitamins, nutrients necessary for plants. Fertilize fertilizers a little less than what is stated in the instructions. And it does not matter which fertilizer it is decided to apply.
Winter care
In winter, the plant is at rest. At this time, it is better not to touch him, providing him with a good rest.
Tuber begonias should be pruned before hibernation. Other species do not need this. Since October, watering is gradually stopped. As soon as the leaves and stems are completely dry, the entire aerial part is cut off. Pots of tubers are placed in a cool dark place.
Everblooming varieties do not rest, although they slow down their development a little. During this period, they need the same care as at other times of the year.
Shrub species in the winter crop. With the advent of spring, the plant begins to grow green mass, releasing side shoots.